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From 2009 and leading up to the 2012 Olympics, the Forest of Dean and Cotswolds are staking a claim as Britain's Rural Capital of Culture.
This is on the basis of the incredible range and diversity of events, festivals, craftspeople and artists in this area.
There is so much more to the Forest than just fantastic scenery and outdoor activities, why not take a peek inside and see what else this magical place has to offer.
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Whether you're a first time visitor, or returning to rediscover its charms, you'll find the best in hospitality, along with spectacular scenery, a wealth of wildlife and a fascinating heritage.
However if you only have a day, you'll just scratch the surface of what this wonderful place has to offer. So why not stay a bit longer and discover more of the Forest's charms, it won't take long before you fall under its spell.
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Said to have inspired the likes of J.R.R.Tolkien, J.K.Rowling and Dennis Potter, "Gloucestershire's greatest natural wonder", the Forest of Dean, is best explored by following The Royal Forest Route, which takes visitors on a 20-mile tour of the spectacular broad-leaf forest.
Springtime is one of the best times of the year to follow this route, when many areas, such as the Soudley Valley are filled with the most spectacular bluebells.
Britain's Rural Capital of Culture
Throughout 2009 and leading up to the 2012 Olympics, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds will be celebrating its diverse culture, giving you the opportunity to discover another side to this magical and mysterious forest.
The stunning scenery and landscape of the Forest of Dean has long been an inspirational place to many writers, artists, poets and craftspeople. Perhaps the forest's most famous son is Dennis Potter. Born and brought up in Coleford, Potter drew upon his childhood here for much of his work. Other great writers who have each been inspired in their own way by the forest include JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and the Great War's Dymock poets, all of whom have lived in the area and enjoyed this magical landscape. Click Here to find out more about the Dymock poets at the Friends of Dymock Poets Spring Day.
To see how nature and art can blend together beautifully, visit the award-winning Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst. This gentle 3½ mile trail through ancient woods is the largest outdoor sculpture trail in the south west and features seventeen hidden sculptures along the way. Most of the sculptures are constructed from the natural materials found in the forest, such as iron, stone and wood. Annie Cattrell's first public artwork, Echo is the latest on the trail and is a fascinating addition to the existing collection of sculptures.
The Forest of Dean is home to the quirky and charismatic Mary Rose Young, whose unique style of pottery can be found all over the world - even Ozzy Osbourne owns a piece of her work. You can visit her studio in Parkend and see the full range on display, or have a go at painting your own plate.
Taurus Crafts is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. It is home to a number of craftworkers, including a pottery and chocolatier, and has wonderful gift shops, a delicatessen, garden centre, an annual events programme, plus it is home to the magical Forest of Dean Model Village.
For more details on arts and crafts in the Forest of Dean and surrounding Wye Valley, click here.
Click here to visit the Rural Capital of Culture dedicated website and find out more about what this fascinating area has to offer.
